LOS ANGELES, Nov. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2014 Elantra Coupe adds more fun-to-drive elements to a model known for its design, value and premium features. The updated Elantra Coupe now features a standard 2.0-liter Nu Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine, which adds 25 more horsepower (+17 percent) and 23 lb.-ft. of torque (+18 percent) from the prior model year's 1.8-liter engine. In the Elantra Coupe, this power plant produces 173 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 154 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm, enhancing the behind the wheel experience for consumers. The refreshed 2014 Elantra Coupe and the rest of the Elantra line up was introduced today at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.

To up the fun factor even further, the 2014 Elantra Coupe receives sport-tuned steering and suspension calibrations to sharpen turn-in and handling on twisty roads. Other new standard refinements to the Elantra Coupe include the addition of a rear spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a unique blackout grille with chrome surround. These features were optional last year.

The 2014 Elantra Coupe is now offered in only one, very well equipped trim level, making it easier for customers to find the Elantra Coupe of their choice. The only choices a shopper has to make is color and if they want the Technology Package or not. The GS and SE trims have been consolidated into one model for the 2014 model year.

New technologies available on the 2014 Elantra Coupe include the application of Hyundai's next-generation navigation and audio technology. The new system features simpler user interfaces, enhanced voice recognition commands, improved navigation screens and a seven-inch color touchscreen with rearview camera. Also, optional for 2014 is Pandora internet radio, LED taillights, projector headlights with LED accents and Hyundai's Blue Link and Assurance Connected Care safety, service and infotainment telematics system. Blue Link and Assurance Connected Care services include Automatic Collision Notification, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle Car Care maintenance scheduling among other features. The 2014 Elantra Coupe with all its upgrades will be available at Hyundai dealerships in winter of 2013.

GS and SE trims have been consolidated into one model for the 2014 model year

NEW TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE EQUIPMENT FOR 2014:

Blue Link and Hyundai Assurance Connected Care

Projector headlights with LED accents

LED taillights

Next-generation navigation and audio technology with Pandora internet radio

INTERIOR ENHANCEMENTS FOR 2014:

New center stack HVAC vents (relocated)

New dual dial HVAC controls refresh – separate fan and temp. controls

New straight pull transmission selector with leather boot

New cooled glovebox

New reverse LCD display

NVH Enhancements

New HVAC duct absorption material

New higher density carpet

Increased anti-vibration floor pad thickness

Increased anti-vibration cowl pad thickness

Additional expandable foam in the A pillars

New anti-vibration material in dash pad

Hood insulator added

Raised cowl top

Full underbody cover

TORQUE-RICH 2.0-LITER NU GASOLINE DIRECT INJECTION ENGINEIn a segment where GDI technology is not normally found, Hyundai is anticipating the addition of a 2.0-liter GDI engine will be very popular with Coupe shoppers looking for performance and affordability. The all-new 2.0-liter GDI engine called 'Nu' produces 173 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 154 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. The performance gains were achieved by increasing the displacement of the engine from 1.8 liters to 2.0 liters and equipping it with a GDI fuel delivery system instead of a MPI fuel delivery system. Increasing the stroke from 87.2 mm to 97 mm gets the 1.8-liter Nu engine up to 2.0 liters. This engine in the Elantra Coupe delivers more torque and enhanced response when compared with a similar MPI engine. In fact, the 2.0-liter Nu has been tuned to provide more torque at 1,500 rpm than the outgoing 1.8-liter Nu. The engine also delivers more torque - from 4,000 rpm to 5,500 rpm - for impressive linear power delivery all the way up to redline. Equipping the Elantra Coupe with the 2.0-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with GDI ensures a great balance between performance and fuel economy. The Elantra Coupe with the new 2.0-liter GDI engine achieves an EPA estimated 24 city/34 highway mpg figure with a ULEV emissions rating.

Key Engine Components

Aluminum block and head

Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT)

Variable Intake System (VIS)

Roller swing arm and Hydraulic Lash Adjusters (HLA)

Electronic throttle control

Offset crankshaft

The 2.0-liter Nu offers D-CVVT camshafts and hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency and refinement. Using D-CVVT on both camshafts has several advantages when compared with using it just on the intake camshaft. These advantages include a two-percent improvement in performance (via increased volumetric efficiency), two-percent improvement in fuel economy (via reduced pumping losses) and a 30 percent reduction in hydrocarbon emissions. In the valvetrain, roller swing arms and hydraulic lash adjusters reduce valve-driven friction to help improve fuel economy one percent compared with direct valve tappets.

A plastic two-stage Variable Intake System (VIS) enables intake air to be directed between long and short intake manifolds, resulting in a broad, linear power band. This results in a four-percent improvement in performance.

Another technology Hyundai engineers have incorporated into the Elantra Coupe is an electronic throttle control. Electronic throttle control replaces the conventional cable and mechanical linkage with virtually instantaneous computerized control. This system accurately controls air intake and engine torque, improving drivability, response and fuel economy.

The Nu four-cylinder engine also has an offset crankshaft design that reduces friction and pressure between the piston and cylinder wall for a one-percent improvement in fuel economy. The Elantra Coupe comes equipped with a six-speed automatic (A6MF1-1) transaxle with SHIFTRONIC® manual control.

ELANTRA COUPE VS. HONDA CIVIC COUPE

Base Engine

2014

Elantra Coupe

2013

Civic Coupe

Displacement

2.0L

1.8L

Horsepower

173@6500

140@6500

Torque (lb.-ft.)

154@4700

128@4300

Specific output

86.5

77.8

Transmission

6AT

5MT or 5AT

Fuel economy

A/T

24 city/34 highway

28 city/39 highway

Curb Weights

A/T

2,877

2,789

Power-to-weight

A/T

16.6

19.9

CHASSIS AND STEERING REFINEMENTSUnder the skin, the new 2014 Elantra Coupe has had significant alterations aimed at enhancing handling and steering. A reworked Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) setup along with stiffer dampers, rear springs and a larger front stabilizer bar on the Elantra Coupe deliver better front roll control / stiffness and more fluid suspension action.

2013 Elantra Coupe

2014 Elantra Coupe

Steering Rack

16 bit

32-bit Modified for

sportier feel

Stabilizer Bar (front)

22 mm

23 mm

Front Spring (kgf/mm)

2.5

2.4

Rear Spring (kgf/mm)

2.3

2.4

Dampers

Base

Stiffened

THIRD-GENERATION NAVIGATION AND AUDIO TECHNOLOGYElantra Coupe now offers an optional multifunction seven-inch touch-screen display with navigation. This third-generation display features a simpler user interface, enhanced voice recognition commands and improved navigation screens. The system is more intuitive for commonly used tasks. Simple pop-up messages now appear to help pair a phone. The voice recognition software understands street addresses and cities all in one sentence. The route screens display speed limits and details the next three maneuvers. One or two button pushes now complete most functions.

Elantra Coupe has an AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers. This system includes iPod®/USB auxiliary inputs. A premium audio system with navigation pumps out 360-watts of sound. This system includes an external amplifier and is available in the Technology Package. It also plays compact discs, accesses digital music files employing Bluetooth streaming audio and allows driver and passenger to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs. Bluetooth audio wirelessly streams music from a phone to the audio system.

The XM Satellite Radio interface is also integrated into the navigation unit and features channel logos, real-time NavTraffic and XM Data services, such as XM NavWeather®, XM Stock Ticker and XM Sports Ticker. The system also integrates a rear-view camera. Users can even upload personal pictures from a USB to be displayed on the system's home screen.

PANDORA® INTERNET RADIOPandora internet radio is integrated into the Elantra Coupe's optional multifunction seven-inch touch-screen display with navigation. The display screen has a Pandora icon for internet radio from an iPhone®. Pandora can also be viewed on the display screen and songs can be given the familiar Pandora thumbs up or thumbs down. (By selecting the thumbs down icon, that particular song will never be played again.) Pandora can be connected to the head unit via a USB cable and integrates album cover art.

Pandora, the leading internet radio service, gives people music they love anytime, anywhere, through personalized radio stations available on a wide variety of connected devices

Personalized radio stations launch instantly from a single song, artist or composer "seed" and are refined to each listener's taste through simple thumbs-up and thumbs-down feedback

Pandora has more than 200 million registered users and more than 70 million monthly active listeners who stream more than a billion hours every month

More than 80% of Pandora's total listening hours occur via mobile and other connected devices

Approximately one out of every two U.S. smartphone users has listened to Pandora in the past month

Hyundai also recently introduced an all-new mobile app for the Blue Link telematics platform. The mobile app allows subscribers to remotely access various optional Blue Link features and services through compatible mobile devices. Completely redesigned from the ground up, the app has been significantly enhanced from the previous version and boasts a new user experience, faster navigation and innovative new features. Google Android® and Apple® iOS users can download the app today from Google Play or Apple iTunes.

Blue Link is an innovative telematics solution that brings seamless connectivity for safety, service and infotainment capabilities and is offered in three packages: Assurance, Essentials and Guidance.

BLUE LINK® PACKAGESBlue Link Assurance package:

Safety:

Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) and Assistance

SOS Emergency Assistance

Enhanced Roadside Assistance

Car Care:

Maintenance Alert

Automated Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification

Recall Advisor

Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Web Vehicle Diagnostics

Service Link

Blue Link Essentials package:

Remote Access:

Remote Door Lock/Unlock

Remote Horn and Lights

Remote Vehicle Start

Car Finder

Vehicle Safeguard:

Stolen Vehicle Recovery

Stolen Vehicle Slowdown

Vehicle Immobilization

Alarm Notification

Panic Notification

Valet Alert

Geo-Fence

Speed Alert

Curfew Alert

Blue Link Guidance package:

TBT (Turn-by-turn) Navigation Service

POI Search by advanced voice recognition system and by Web and download

Hyundai's signature hexagonal front fascia opening and jeweled swept-back headlights now with available projector beams and LED accents give Elantra Coupe a lean, aggressive demeanor. Fog lights and bodycolored side mirrors turn signal repeaters complement the view from the front.

From the side, Elantra Coupe conveys a wedge-like sport coupe silhouette with deeply sculpted surfaces. Standard sporty five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with dark spoke inserts add a dynamic presence, while fast A- and C-pillar angles frame a sharply tapered greenhouse, further accentuating the wedge profile. Just below the belt line, a prominent character line carries from the door through to the rear deck. Wheel arch creases give a subtle flared appearance around front and rear wheels, for a wide and aggressive presence. Further, a beveled rocker panel rounds out the lean and muscular effect.

From the rear, a blacked-out rear diffuser valance contrasts with dual chrome-tipped exhaust tips, and the integrated lip spoiler design element. New for the 14 model year is the addition of available LED taillights to further heighten Elantra Coupe's rear appearance.

These sculpted surfaces serve to create a highly aerodynamic body. The drag coefficient for the Elantra Coupe is an exceptionally low 0.28 Cd, resulting in minimal cabin noise intrusion and optimal fuel economy. Elantra Coupe was designed at Hyundai's North American Design Center in Irvine, Calif.

NVH IMPROVEMENTS HAPPEN AT HYUNDAI SPEEDSince the launch of the current generation in 2012 as a 2013 model, Elantra Coupe has undergone significant changes to reduce cabin noise. These engineering changes will be noticed immediately by driver and passengers:

SPORTY, SOPHISTICATED INTERIORInside, refinements in design gives the 2014 Hyundai Elantra Coupe a more premium feel with the integration of new HVAC controls. Subtle changes to the placement of HVAC vents and controls lend a higher-quality, simplified look. Providing a more upscale environment is accomplished with a negative LCD display and a cooled glovebox.

Elantra Coupe customers will also find Hyundai's expertise in interior packaging, lighting, leading-edge design and craftsmanship. This approach is visible in gauge clarity and the tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Seat construction uses lightweight materials and environmentally-friendly foam for further benefits to fuel efficiency. Elantra Coupe seat design also provides deeper side bolsters compared with Elantra sedan for sportier driving. Heated seats are also standard equipment on Elantra Coupe.

The Elantra Coupe offers two interior color choices, gray and black. All Elantra Coupes have cloth-like pillar trim made of fibrous tissue and volcanic rock for a premium look, feel and minimal environmental impact. Elantra Coupe will offer six exterior colors, two of which are unique from Elantra sedan color choices: Monaco White and Black Noir Pearl.

Elantra Coupe owners can also get additional premium features, such as proximity key with push-button start, leather seating surfaces and power sunroof.

ADVANCED STANDARD SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES: PART OF HYUNDAI'S ASSURANCE COMMITMENTThe Elantra Coupe takes compact coupe safety to the next level with the introduction of Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). Similar to the one found in the Hyundai Equus, VSM optimally manages ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS).

VSM works when the driver brakes on a split-mu surface (slippery on one side, dry on the other) and the vehicle wants to pull in one direction. VSM detects this condition and sends a signal to the MDPS to apply steering assist. VSM counters the pull and automatically provides eight Newton meters of counter steering force. VSM reacts the same way during sudden lane changes or fast cornering.

The Elantra Coupe includes four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist, which helps provide maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on vehicle loading conditions and driving dynamics. Elantra Coupe engineers even looked at something as simple as the parking brake for an integrated rear parking brake caliper for weight reduction.

In terms of passive safety, the Elantra Coupe has strong unibody construction, along with front and rear crumple zones to effectively absorb and dissipate impact energy away from cabin occupants.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICAHyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Assurance includes Assurance Connected Care that provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Hyundai Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services, complimentary for three years. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling.